ˈdivəˌdend sometimes -_dənd or -d ə nd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English divident, from Latin dividendum something to be divided, neuter of dividendus, gerundive of dividere to divide — more at divide
1.
a. : an individual share of something distributed among a number of recipients
b. : a share in a pro rata distribution (as of profits) to stockholders
c. : a share of surplus allocated to a policyholder in a participating insurance policy generally representing a return of a portion of the premium not needed to meet losses and expenses and a distribution of earnings from investment
d. : a bonus item given to a customer with each purchase of a set number of items
a book dividend given with every four books purchased
e. : the return or reward resulting from an activity, effort, or undertaking
better training was paying big dividends in increased efficiency
f. : something received unexpectedly or in addition to that which is usual or that which is expected or sought : bonus
three fine stories in the book, and, as a dividend , all happen to be true
g. : a portion of a mixed iced drink remaining after the regular servings have been poured out
there's a dividend here for someone before I mix another round
2.
[Anglo-French dividende, from Latin dividendum ]
a. obsolete : the act or an instance of dividing (as profits or spoils) among a number of individuals
b. : a pro-rata distribution of money, securities, or other property ; especially : such a distribution to corporate shareholders or to creditors of a bankrupt estate — see stock dividend
3. mathematics : a number or quantity to be divided
4. archaic : a body of land in one patent or survey
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- dividend off
- dividend on